The developer of the Star of the South offshore wind project in Victoria, Australia has confirmed a transmission route for further analysis to connect the electricity off the south coast of Gippsland into the grid in the Latrobe Valley.
Following a rigorous 12-month assessment on three potential transmission route options, Star of the South has shared details about the selected route which will now be progressed through detailed planning, approvals and design.
The transmission route would come to shore around Reeves Beach and travel underground through Darriman, Giffard West and Hiamdale, connecting into one of the strongest points in the National Electricity Market.
A detailed options assessment on three different routes considered feedback from landholders, local communities and government, as well as site investigations and technical studies undertaken throughout 2020.
Star of the South will potentially be built in in the Bass Strait off Gippsland, Victoria.
The developer has committed to using underground cables, unless it’s not technically feasible or where overhead lines would have a lower impact.
The project team is continuing conversations with landholders whose property may be suitable to host the transmission infrastructure and said landholders will be “treated fairly and appropriately compensated”.
Star of the South will undergo a comprehensive coordinated government environmental assessment through an Australian Environmental Impact Statement and Victorian Environment Effects Statement.
Site investigations and data collection are underway to support environmental and planning assessments.
The project’s studies include a “world-class” marine survey programme, collecting environmental data on the underwater world and building scientific knowledge of key species and ecosystems in Bass Strait.
Star of the South chief development officer Erin Coldham said: “This is another important milestone for Australia’s first offshore wind project – selecting a transmission route to take through planning, approvals and design.
“On balance, the route we’ve selected for further investigation is the best overall outcome and we’re working with landholders whose property may be suitable to host the underground cables.”